Iranian Power Broker Larijani Stresses "No Negotiations with U.S." [U.S. Strikes on Iran]

The Power Broker Now in Charge of Military and Security

Harsh Criticism of "Trump's Delusional Fantasies"

Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, who has assumed overall control of Iran's military and security affairs following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reiterated on March 2 (local time) his determination to resist, declaring, "We will not negotiate with the United States."

Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. Yonhap News Agency

Secretary Larijani made this statement by retweeting a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which claimed that Iran was attempting negotiations with the United States through mediation by Oman. In his post, he made it clear that Iran has no intention to negotiate. In another post, he criticized, "Trump's delusional fantasies have plunged the region into chaos."

According to The New York Times (NYT), Larijani was entrusted with state governance by Khamenei prior to the airstrike on February 28. While he was reportedly among the targets of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, he avoided being hit in the recent attacks.

Iranian experts predict that Larijani, together with former Vice President Mohammad Mokhber-who was known as Khamenei's right-hand man-will hold real power in wartime conditions.

The United States and Iran have held negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, missile systems, and support for regional proxy groups, but have failed to find common ground.

President Trump, after launching an attack on Iran on February 28, hinted at the possibility of renewed negotiations by suggesting that the use of military force could end quickly. In a media interview that day, when asked about returning to diplomatic solutions, he replied, "I don't know," adding that "Iran has not yet met America's requirements." He further commented on how long attacks on Iran might continue, saying, "Since it's a large country, it could take about four weeks, or perhaps even less."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.